Hanger apparatus

ABSTRACT

A hanger apparatus for supporting items such as plants, wind chimes, and the like mounts to a vertical post without marring the post or making holes in the post. The hanger apparatus includes a mounting assembly having first and second frictional lock members that engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post with an interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly. Extending from the mounting assembly is a cantilevered arm having a hanger at its extended end to which the item is suspended with clearance from the vertical post.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/829,933, filed Oct. 18, 2006, and incorporates the disclosure of the same herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a hanger apparatus and in particular relates to a hanger apparatus that can be secured to a structure without making any holes in the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for people to hang items such as potted plants, birdhouses, and wind chimes outside their homes. Typically, a conventional hanger apparatus is attached to a structure, such as a wall, post or rail, usually with nails or screws. One form of a conventional hanger apparatus includes a hook and/or basket for mounting the item directly against the structure. Other forms of conventional hangers include a cantilevered arm for suspending the item a distance from the structure. One problem with the conventional hanger apparatuses is that they require nails, screws, threaded hooks or eyelets, or other fasteners to mount them to the structure. Such attachment to the structure can weaken the structure. Additionally, when the hanger apparatus is removed, there remain unsightly holes in the structure.

Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for hanger apparatus that can be mounted in place without causing fastener holes in the structure to which it is mounted. It is to the provision of such hanger apparatus that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, the present invention provides a hanger apparatus for hanging items such as plants, wind chimes, bird houses, etc. outside of one's home. The hanger apparatus includes a support arm for supporting the item and a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus to one or more vertical members (such as conventional rail pickets and posts commonly used in the construction of homes and other buildings), without making any holes in any of the vertical members. Thus, the present invention provides a hanger apparatus that can be mounted in place without causing fastener holes in the structure to which it is mounted.

In a first form, the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting to at least one vertical post and supporting an object (such as a plant, bird house, wind chimes, etc.) without making any holes in the vertical post. The apparatus has a mounting assembly having first and second frictional lock members that engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post with an interference fit to prevent the apparatus from moving downwardly. The apparatus also includes a cantilevered arm extending from the mounting assembly and having a hanger at its extended end. Thus, the object can be suspended from the hanger with clearance from the vertical post. Preferably, the cantilevered arm extends from a position between the vertical post and a second adjacent vertical post. Additionally, the first frictional lock member can be positioned proximate a top side of the cantilevered arm and the second frictional lock member can be positioned proximate a bottom side of the cantilevered arm, thereby creating a frictional lock of the apparatus to the vertical posts.

A plurality of fasteners securely connect the front and rear frictional lock members to a pair of extension arms such that the first (or front) frictional lock member is positioned against the front surface of the vertical members at a bottom side of the extension arms and securely fastened thereto and the second (or rear) frictional lock member is positioned against the rear surface of the vertical members at a top side of the extension arms and securely fastened thereto. Accordingly, the hanger apparatus is frictionally secured to the vertical members without making holes in the vertical members.

In another form, the present invention provides a hanger apparatus having a pair of lock members, each of which has a hole extending therethrough. The mounting assembly itself mounts to two adjacent vertical members, each having front and rear surfaces by positioning the first lock member against the front surfaces of the two vertical members and second lock member against the rear surfaces of the two vertical members and parallel to the first lock member such that the holes align. The cantilevered arm extends through the holes (and hence through the gap between adjacent vertical members) of the lock members and is secured to the lock members with the first and second fasteners. Preferably, the cantilevered arm has a hook located at its extended end for suspending an object therefrom.

In yet another form, an extension and support assembly includes a cantilevered platform for supporting an item thereon. The cantilevered platform includes first and second spaced apart extension arms, each having an extended end, a transverse brace, wherein the transverse brace is secured at the extended ends of the first and second extension arms, and a support panel mounted on the first and second extension arms.

In still yet another form, the hanger apparatus has first and second extension arms, wherein the first and second extension arms are coupled to the cantilevered support arm and engage the lateral sides of the vertical post, and front and rear frictional lock members securely coupled to the extension arms and engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post. Thus, the combination of the extension arms and lock members create an interference fit around the vertical post to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly. Optionally, the rear frictional lock member is removably attached to the first and second extension arms.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a second example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a third example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a hanger apparatus according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a hanger apparatus according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the hanger apparatus of FIG. 1 secured to a fence with an extender assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the hanger apparatus and extender assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Generally described, the present invention provides a hanger apparatus for supporting items such as plants, birdhouses, wind chimes, wind catchers, flags, and even mailboxes. The hanger apparatus has a mounting assembly and an extension and support assembly. The mounting assembly is adapted for mounting to vertical members such as conventional rail pickets and posts commonly used in the construction of homes and other buildings, without making any holes in any of the vertical members. The mounting assembly includes frictional lock members that engage at least one of the vertical members with an interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from sliding or otherwise moving downwardly. The extension and support assembly extends away from the vertical members and provides a location for supporting one or more of the items with clearance from the vertical members. Preferably, the extension and support assembly includes a cantilevered arm or a cantilevered platform. The one or more items can be supported by hanging them in suspension or by resting them on top of the extension and support assembly.

FIGS. 1-3 show a hanger apparatus 10 according to a first example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus 10 is adapted for mounting to two adjacent but spaced apart pickets 12 and 14 of a railing such as that typically installed on a front porch, a back porch, or stairs leading up to a porch of a building structure such as a house. The hanger apparatus 10 includes two extension arms 16 and 18 and a support or cantilevered arm 20 held therebetween by two transverse braces 26 and 28. Preferably, the two transverse braces 26 and 28 include one or more fasteners, such as rods, nails, screws, rivets, or the like.

Preferably, the support arm 20 is substantially perpendicular to the pickets 12 and 14. Also preferably, the support arm 20 is a rod or beam that is substantially parallel to the underlying surface (i.e., ground). Additionally, the support arm 20 can be oriented at any angle relative to the pickets 12 and 14. In alternative embodiments, the support arm 20 can take any form. For example, the support arm 20 can also be a curved arm, rather than a substantially straight (or linear) beam as shown. Thus, the arm 20 can include any of a variety of bends, curves, or kinks and still be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the arm 20 can be constructed in the shape of a leaf, bird, animal, geometric shape, alpha-numeric character, etc.

Preferably, a conventional holder or hanger 30 is located at the extended end of the support arm 20. The hanger 30 can be a separate piece that is attached to the support arm. Alternatively, the hanger 30 and the support arm 20 can be a single, unitary piece. For example, the hanger 30 can include a hook, an eyelet, a crook in the arm 20, a notch in the upper surface of the arm 20, etc.

The extension arms 16 and 18 insert into the space between the adjacent pickets 12 and 14, and two transverse frictional lock members 32 and 34 are attached to the extension arms during installation by fasteners 40-43 and 44-47. The frictional lock members 32 and 34 are positioned on opposing front and rear sides of the pickets 12 and 14 to contact and frictionally engage the pickets to hold the hanger apparatus in place without penetrating and degrading the pickets. Preferably, the frictional lock members 32 and 34 are positioned on vertically offset horizontal surfaces of the extension arms 16 and 18 to provide a very tight interference fit with little or no looseness or “play.” For example, in the depicted embodiment the front lock member 32 (at the front sides of the pickets 12 and 14, with “front” being from the viewpoint of the hung item) is positioned at bottom sides of the extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners 40-43. On the other hand, the rear lock member 34 (at the rear sides of the pickets 12 and 14) is positioned at top sides of the extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners 44-47. In this arrangement, the weight of the hung item tends to pivot downwardly the extended end of the support arm 20. This pivotal biasing of the hanger apparatus 10 causes compressive forces by the upper lock member 34 against the rear sides of the pickets 12 and 14 and by the lower lock member 32 against the front sides of the pickets. These compressive forces work to frictionally secure the hanger apparatus 10 in place.

As mentioned, the mounting ends of the extension arms 16 and 18 (and a portion of the support arm 20, depending on the particular railing) insert into the space between the adjacent pickets 12 and 14. Therefore, the widths of the extension arms 16 and 18 and the support arm 20, as well as the lengths of the lock members 32 and 34, are preferably selected based on typical picket spacing of several inches. And the lengths of the extension arms 16 and 18 and the support arm 20 are selected to provide the desired clearance from the railing. In a typical commercial embodiment, the support arm 20 and the extension arms 16 and 18 are provided by 1″×2″×10″ wood members, the frictional lock members 32 and 34 are provided by 1″×2″×8″ wood members, the transverse braces 26 and 28 and the fasteners 40 are provided by conventional nails or screws, and the hanger 30 is provided by a conventional screw-threaded hook. The hanger apparatus 10 so constructed is well-suited for use with a range of picket sizes, and works particularly well with 2″×2″ wood pickets. In another typical commercial embodiment, the support arm 20, the extension arms 16 and 18 and the frictional lock members 32 and 34 are provided by ½″ steel rods. Preferably, the steel rods are powder-coated to prevent corrosion. This hanger apparatus so constructed is also well-suited for use with a range of picket sizes, and works particularly well with metal pickets. In such an embodiment, preferably, there are prefabricated holes in the extension arms, support arms, and frictional lock members for receiving the fasteners 40-47.

To install and use the hanger apparatus 10, the assembled extension and support arms 20, 22, and 24 are inserted into the space between the pickets 12 and 14 and oriented at about ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pickets. Then the assembled extension and support arms 20, 22, and 24 are held in place (e.g., by the installer or a helper) while the front and rear lock members 32 and 34 are installed in place with fasteners 40. At this point, the hanger apparatus 10 may well stay in place by itself, but to be safe it should still be held in place until after the item is hung from the hanger 30. The vertical position of the hanger apparatus 10 can be adjusted by lifting the extended end of the support arm 20 to substantially release the frictional “lock,” sliding the hanger apparatus up or down to the desired location, and lowering the support arm end to re-engage the frictional “lock.”

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a hanger apparatus 110 according to a second example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus 110 is somewhat similar to the first example embodiment of the hanger apparatus 10 described herein. The hanger apparatus 110 is adapted for mounting to two adjacent pickets 112 and 114 of a railing or rail fence (wood or steel) such as that typically installed on a front porch, a back porch, or stairs leading up to a porch of a building structure such as a house. The hanger apparatus 110 includes an extension and support arm 11 6 that is preferably in the form of a ½″×15″ steel rod with a crook 120 at the extended end of the rod. Preferably, the crook 120 is adapted to support various items suspended with cord, rope, or the like therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger apparatus 110 includes an eye nut at the extended end of the rod for threading a cord, rope, or the like therethrough. Those skilled in the art will understand that such dimensions are exemplary, and rods having various thicknesses and lengths are within the scope of the present invention.

Similar to the first embodiment, the support arm 116 is a substantially straight rod that is perpendicular to the pickets 112 and 114 and substantially parallel to the underlying surface (i.e., ground). However, in alternative embodiments, the support arm 20 can take any form such that it includes any of a variety of bends, curves, or kinks and/or be oriented at any angle relative to the pickets 112 and 114 and still be within the scope of the present invention.

The frictional lock members 132 and 134 are positioned on opposite sides of pickets 112 and 114 to contact and frictionally engage the pickets to hold the hanger apparatus 110 in place without penetrating and degrading the pickets. Preferably, the frictional lock members 132 and 134 are constructed of aluminum or another durable, yet lightweight material. Alternatively, the frictional lock members 132 and 134 can be constructed of steel, other metals, plastics, fiberglass, and composite materials. The extension and support arm 116 extends through holes (or notches, slots, or other openings) 128 and 130 in the lock members 132 and 134. The extension and support arm 116 is held in place by conventional fasteners selected for use with the extension and support arm, for example, a nut 136 and a wing nut 138. Preferably, the end of the support arm 116 is threaded for receiving the nut 136 and wing nut 138. In a typical commercial embodiment, the threaded portion is approximately three inches in length. However, in alternative embodiments, the entire length of the rod 118 can be threaded or only certain portions thereof can be threaded. To attach the hanger apparatus 110, one simply positions the lock members 132 and 134 on the front and back sides of two pickets 112 and 114 and parallel to each other, and inserts the threaded rod 116 through the aligned holes 128 and 130. The nut 136 can be adjusted to provide enough threaded length of the rod 116, based on the size of the pickets 112 and 114, to tighten the wing nut 138. The wing nut 138 is then tightened until the hanger apparatus 110 is secure. Thus, an item can be suspended from the crook 120 by threading a rope, cord, chain or the like through the eye nut and suspending the item therefrom.

Notably, the first and second embodiments can be configured to mount to a conventional shadow box fence without making any holes or markings on the shadow box fence. Those skilled in the art will understand how to adjust the dimensions of the apparatuses 10 and 110 to fit within the gaps between the boards of a conventional shadowbox fence.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a hanger apparatus 210 according to a third example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus 210 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but is adapted for mounting on a post 214 that has nothing (e.g., mailbox or privacy fence pickets) obstructing its top or upper sides. Thus, the hanger apparatus 210 includes two extension arms 216 and 218 and a support arm 220 held therebetween by transverse braces 222 and 224, with a conventional hanger 230 at the extended end of the support arm. Frictional lock members 232 and 234 are secured in place by fasteners 236, 238 and 240, 242, and they function to contact and frictionally engage the post 214 to hold the hanger apparatus 210 in place without penetrating and degrading the post. The support arm 220 is secured to the front frictional lock member by a fastener 244. In this embodiment, however, the frictional lock members 232 and 234 are positioned on opposite sides of the single post 214. In use, the hanger apparatus 210 is placed over the top of the post 214 and slid down the post to a desired vertical position.

In the depicted embodiment, the hanger apparatus 210 is constructed for mounting on a 4″×4″ post, with the transverse braces 222 and 224 provided by ½″×6″ wood dowels and the lock members 232 and 234 provided by 1″×2″×4″ wood members. For use with other sizes of posts (e.g., 4″×6″, 6″×6″, or 6″×8″), the hanger apparatus 210 can be provided in specific sizes with parts sized for each post size. Alternatively, the hanger apparatus 210 can be provided with adjustably sizeable parts. For example, the transverse braces and lock members may have oversized lengths that can be cut down to size, discrete segments that can be broken away by shearing, inserts for extending their lengths, or telescopic segments that can be secured (e.g., a push-pin and series of receiving holes) in multiple positions with different lengths.

Similar to the first two embodiments, the support arm 220 is substantially straight, substantially perpendicular to the post 214, and substantially parallel to the underlying surface (i.e., ground). However, in alternative embodiments, the support arm 220 can take any form such that it includes any of a variety of bends, curves, or kinks and still be within the scope of the present invention and can be oriented at any angle relative to the post 214.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a hanger apparatus 310 according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus 310 is substantially similar to that of the third embodiment, but is adapted for mounting on a post 314 that has its top or a side obstructed by a structure such as a roof or fence pickets. Thus, the hanger apparatus 310 includes two extension arms 316 and 318 and a support arm 320 held therebetween by transverse braces 322 and 324, with a conventional hanger 330 at the extended end of the support arm. Frictional lock members 332 and 334 are positioned on opposite sides of the post 214 to contact and frictionally engage the post to hold the hanger apparatus 310 in place without penetrating and degrading the post, with the front lock member 334 secured in place by fasteners 340-344. In this embodiment, however, the rear lock member 332 is provided by a removable member, for example a dowel that is removably receivable in aligned holes in the extension arms 316 and 318. In use, with the rear lock member 332 removed, the hanger apparatus 310 is placed in a desired vertical position with the front lock member 334 pressed against the post 314, and the rear lock member 332 is installed to collar the post and secures the hanger apparatus in place.

FIGS. 10-12 show a hanger apparatus 410 according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention. The hanger apparatus 410 is similar to that of the third embodiment, adapted for mounting on a post 414 with its top and sides unobstructed (at least initially, during installation), and adapted with a shelf-like feature or cantilevered platform 411 onto which an item such as a mailbox 415 (or a potted plant or other item) can be placed and supported. Thus, the cantilevered platform 411 includes two extension and support arms 416 and 418 and a transverse brace 420 therebetween at the extended end. Frictional lock members 432 and 434 are positioned on opposite sides of the post 414 and secured in place by fasteners 440, 441, 442, and 443 to contact and frictionally engage the post to hold the hanger apparatus 410 in place without penetrating and degrading the post. The transverse brace 420 is secured between the two extension support arms 426 and 428 by fasteners 444 and 445. In this embodiment, however, there is no separate support arm (in addition to the extension arms). Rather, the hanger apparatus 410 includes a support panel 450 mounted onto the extension and support arms 416 and 418, the transverse brace 420, and the front lock member 434. In a typical commercial embodiment, the support panel 450 is provided by a 1″×6″×17″ piece of pressure-treated wood and secured in place by nails, screws, or other conventional fasteners. In alternative embodiments, the support panel 450 can be provided by sheet metal, plastic, composites, fiberglass, or the like. Thus, the hanger apparatus 410 provides a more streamlined look for the mailbox 415 on the post 414. Also, the hanger apparatus 410 is much lighter than commercially available horizontal 4″×4″ members typically used for mounting the mailbox on, so the lighter hanger apparatus will cause less warping of the vertical post.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show an attachment assembly 500 for the hanger apparatus 10 for attachment to a horizontal edge of a fence, such as a privacy fence 501, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The attachment assembly 500 includes a pair of generally Y-shaped extenders 502 and 504. Each extender has a pair of legs 506 and 508 and a post 510 extending therebetween. Together the legs 506, 508 and post 510 define a generally U-shaped yoke 512 for mounting over an upper horizontal edge of the fence. Preferably, the legs 506, 508 and post 510 are coupled together with a plurality of fasteners, such as nails or screws. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventional fasteners and fastening techniques can be employed and be within the scope of the present invention.

Thus, the extender assembly 500 provides a pair of generally upright and spaced apart structures to which the hanger apparatus 10 can mount. The user can mount the extenders 502 and 504 by engaging the upper edge of the fence with the U-shaped yokes 512 and spacing the extenders apart at an appropriate distance. The extension arms 16 and 18 insert into the space between the adjacent extenders 502 and 504. The frictional lock members 32 and 34 are positioned on opposing front and rear sides of the extenders 502 and 504 to contact and frictionally engage the extenders to hold the hanger apparatus in place without penetrating and degrading the fence. Preferably, the frictional lock members 32 and 34 are positioned on vertically offset horizontal surfaces of the extension arms 16 and 18 to provide a very tight interference fit with little or no looseness or “play.” For example, in the depicted embodiment the front lock member 32 (at the front sides of the extenders 502 and 504, with “front” being from the viewpoint of the hung item) is positioned at bottom sides of the extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners. On the other hand, the rear lock member 34 (at the rear sides of the extenders 502 and 504) is positioned at top sides of the extension arms 16 and 18 and secured thereto with fasteners. In this arrangement, the weight of the hung item tends to pivot downwardly the extended end of the support arm 20. This pivotal biasing of the hanger apparatus 10 causes compressive forces by the upper lock member 34 against the rear sides of the extender posts 510 and by the lower lock member 32 against the extender legs 508. These compressive forces work to frictionally secure the hanger apparatus 10 in place and over the fence without making any holes in the fence.

In a typical commercial embodiment, the legs 506, 508 are provided by wood members that are approximately ¾″ wide, approximately 4″ long, and approximately 2″ thick. The post 519 is provided by a wood member that is approximately ¾″ wide, 2⅞″ long, and 2″ thick. Thus, when so constructed, each extender is approximately 4¾″ long and 2¼″ wide. Preferably, when constructed, the post 510 extends approximately ¾″ above the upper edges of the legs 506, 508. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such dimensions are exemplary and that other shapes and sizes of the members can be employed as well. Additionally, the extenders can be constructed of other suitable materials, including but not limited to, plastics, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and composite materials.

In alternative embodiments, other materials, quantities, and sizes of parts can be used to construct any of the hanger apparatus described herein. For example, instead of wood or steel members, other materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or composites can be used. Also, some of the components described herein as separate pieces can be fabricated as unitary pieces, such as the extension and support arms with the transverse braces. In addition, the configuration of the fifth embodiment can be used for hanging two or another number of items in suspension, without the support panel if so desired. Furthermore, the configuration of the third and fourth embodiments can be modified with the support arm having a larger width for providing a tight fit against the extension members, and tapered narrower towards its extended end. Moreover, the upper-and-lower-lock-member configuration of the first embodiment can be incorporated into the post-collared configuration of the other embodiments.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “one” include the plural, the term “or” means “and/or,” and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

While the invention has been shown and described in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for mounting to at least one vertical post and supporting an object, comprising: a mounting assembly having first and second frictional lock members that engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post with an interference fit to prevent the apparatus from moving downwardly; a cantilevered arm extending from the mounting assembly and having an extended end; and a hanger proximate the extended end of the cantilevered arm, wherein the object is suspended from the hanger with clearance from the vertical post, wherein the apparatus is secured to the vertical post without making any holes in the vertical post.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two spaced apart extension arms, wherein the cantilevered arm extends between the two spaced apart extension arms and wherein at least one transverse brace secures the extension arms and the cantilevered arm together for suspending the object therefrom.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the two spaced apart extension arms extend beyond the front and rear surfaces of the vertical post, the first frictional lock member is positioned at a lower elevation than the second frictional lock member, and the first and second frictional lock members are engaged by the two spaced apart extension arms.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one vertical post comprises two vertical posts and wherein the cantilevered arm extends from a position between the two vertical posts and wherein the first frictional lock member is positioned proximate a top side of the cantilevered arm and the second frictional lock member is positioned proximate a bottom side of the cantilevered arm thereby creating a frictional lock of the apparatus to the vertical posts.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm comprises a support arm and two spaced apart brace arms, wherein the spaced apart brace arms are positionable on opposing lateral sides of the vertical post and wherein the first and second frictional lock members are attached to the extension arms.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first frictional lock member is removably attached to the extension arms.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm comprises a threaded eyelet with a mounting end that extends through openings in the frictional lock members for fastening in place.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hanger is a crook.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm is substantially perpendicular to the vertical post.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cantilevered arm has a substantially nonlinear shape.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hanger is a hook for suspending the object therefrom.
 12. A hanger apparatus for mounting to two adjacent vertical members and for suspending an item therefrom, comprising: a mounting assembly having front and rear frictional lock members that engage front and rear surfaces of the two vertical members with an interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly, wherein the mounting assembly mounts to the two vertical members without marring the two vertical members; an extension and support assembly coupled to the mounting assembly, wherein the extension and support assembly includes a pair of extension arms extending from the mounting assembly, wherein the extension arms are spaced apart; and a support arm extending from the mounting assembly and between the spaced apart extension arms; and a plurality of fasteners for securely connecting the front and rear frictional lock members to the pair of extension arms, wherein the front frictional lock member is positioned against the front surface of the vertical members at a bottom side of the extension arms and securely fastened thereto and wherein the rear frictional lock member is positioned against the rear surface of the vertical members at a top side of the extension arms and securely fastened thereto, whereby the hanger apparatus is frictionally secured to the vertical members.
 13. The hanger apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support arm further comprises a hook for securely suspending the item therefrom.
 14. The hanger apparatus of claim 12, wherein the two adjacent vertical members include two adjacent and generally Y-shaped extenders for mounting to a horizontal edge of a fence.
 15. A hanger apparatus, comprising: a cantilevered arm; a mounting assembly coupled to the cantilevered arm, wherein the mounting assembly comprises first and second lock members, wherein the first and second lock members each have a hole extending therethrough, and wherein the mounting assembly mounts to two adjacent vertical members having a gap therebetween, each vertical member having front and rear surfaces; a first fastener for securing the cantilevered arm to the first lock member; and a second fastener for securing the cantilevered arm to the second lock member, wherein the first lock member is positioned against the front surfaces of the two vertical members, wherein the second lock member is positioned against the rear surfaces of the two vertical members and parallel to the first lock member such that the holes align, and wherein the cantilevered arm extends through the holes and is secured to the lock members with the first and second fasteners.
 16. The hanger apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cantilevered arm has an extended end and a hook is located at the extended end thereof for suspending an item therefrom.
 17. The hanger apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cantilevered arm has an extended end and an eye nut is located at the extended end thereof for suspending an item therefrom.
 18. A hanger apparatus for mounting to a single vertical post and for supporting an item, comprising: an extension and support assembly to which the item is coupled for support with clearance from the vertical member, wherein the extension and support assembly comprises a cantilevered platform for supporting an item thereon and having first and second spaced apart extension arms, each having an extended end; a transverse brace, wherein the transverse brace is secured at the extended ends of the first and second extension arms; and a support panel mounted on the first and second extension arms; and a mounting assembly coupled to the extension and support assembly, wherein the mounting assembly includes front and rear frictional lock members that engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical member with an interference fit to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly, wherein the hanger apparatus is secured to the vertical post without making any holes in the vertical post.
 19. A hanger apparatus for mounting to a vertical post having front, rear, and lateral sides, comprising: a cantilevered support arm; first and second extension arms, wherein the first and second extension arms are coupled to the cantilevered support arm and engage the lateral sides of the vertical post; and front and rear frictional lock members, wherein the front and rear frictional lock members engage front and rear surfaces of the vertical post and are securely coupled to the extension arms to create an interference fit around the vertical post to prevent the hanger apparatus from moving downwardly, wherein the hanger apparatus is secured to the vertical post without making any holes in the vertical post.
 20. The hanger apparatus of claim 19, wherein the rear frictional lock member is removably attached to the first and second extension arms. 